The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1887-12-31
THE MASQUERADE.


A brilliant reception! Such crowd,
ell simmer Of silks snd blaze OF gems.
Two men stood together in bay win
dow OF dim, unlishted room across the
way, and looked out upon the cerrisges
that csmo and went, depositing fair bur.
dens at the foot Of the broad brown stone
steps. ..M..
sam I keeping you at home, Dayton ~
asked tbs elder OF the two men, breaking
tho silence uuddcnly, and turning to his
companion. 0Don't let me do it! Go
over sud enjoy youraelf. Here arc the
evening pspe.e. I'll turn up the gas and
read Tor an hour or GO, and then, If grow
sleepy. will go to bed"
II do nos like to leave you alone, uncle,
now that you have just returned, but 1t ia
masquerade, and the most, Judge Proc
tor, is Esther Of the sweetest lass that ever
made the moments paes like sando of sill
yer from the glass OF enyious time, down
shaken. She is only nineteen, but have
loved her these three years, and 1t sets me
mad to see another man epsak to her or
touch her hand. And yet I know how
hopeless my love is; for her father, rich
end proud, intends to match her delicate
beauty With wealth and pride equal to
his own. He knows that ! am poor, and
that Aunt Ann, upon whose bounty live
here, is as likely to cut me of with shil.
ling As to make me her heir. A Thousand
times l have sworn that l would rush
away and lesve all, but I only creep back
hero and watch Tor a glimpse OF her sweet
lace, smile from her bright eyes,"
"And is money tho only thing between
you" So
"The only shadow, can assure YOU,
Uncle Paul. Her father knows l am
faithful and ambitious at my work; he
even helps mo to a case now and then
but he told me- plainly that 1t was foolish
for young man who had only his pro
fession to depend upon to marry girl
reared in wealth mud luxury, Just a,
though Rosie would choose wealth instead
OF love-!
II used to work shoulder to sboulde,
with Ralph Proctor years ago, and I fancy
il money is the only barrier that can
persuade him there is no use in LETTING
you two children waste your lives In thur
mourning for each other. But you wan!
to 20 to the sport to-night2"
"Yea; only to SEQ her face, uncle-only
to hear her voice."
swell, that Is right. Let me see you,
galadresa. Knight Of some impossible
order, I suppose?"
mo; wait q minute" ...g
The young gentleman left tho room and
ran up the broad stairs three steps at {
time, Still the carriages came and wen,
across the way and glimpses OF all queer
people fitted about.
Presently there came low rap at thu
psrlor door and a tall, fair lady entered
dressed in cream satin, with soft lace
mantle draped about her shoulders, ont
long, graceful point Of which was draw
over her head, ahading the sbundan
coils and curls OF golden hair, and falling
like a coquettish veil half down the face.
Mr.. Edgerly bowed politely and said:
"If you will DO seated, madam-pray al
low me-" and he pushed an easy chat
toward her, and waited for her to speak
"Haug it all, uncle, I don't know how
10 talk in this rig" said the laughin,
voice Of Dayton Edgerly. Don't yor
really know me? Then I fancy the dis
guise will be difficult to penetrate. Ha
Stuyyeeant was to. call for me, but have
borrowed the housemsid's waterproof
which I propose to proceed to envelop,
myself in, and then If you will escort m,
across the way and brink the cloak back i
will make the mystihcation more com
plete. Halls costume 10 up In my room
and Thomas will wait upon him when b.
comes. Now, then, If you plesse."'
With courtly grace and gravity, MI
Edgerly offered the apparent lady hi
arm, while she awkwardly gathered he
trailing garments up and strobe away.
At the door Of the gueat-thronged man
sion some delay in showing OF tickets OF
cured, and one magical white card sir
ped, unnoticed, down tho steps. Mr..
picked it up on his way home, and wor
dered vaguely how he would feel minglin
with such a gay throng as that he had jul
seen. y s'!s = e5.e "a
Seven years in Australia made him sh
( about the ordinary demands Of society, bl
= the mystery Of a masquerade filled h
thoughto with queer interest. *
A monk, hooded and cowled, ato
= quietly in among the makers, and leane
&. againat pillar in tho long arcade parlo
= Presently little Sister Of Charity can
ID and stood bsoide him, resting her hand {
I'd his arm. '5{ "a "a ( / N $ !; sis!7
g. II arr tired Of 1t all, papa, abe said, in
es low, weary tone. - ~. 81. y 5,sH
/ Stirred 90 early ?" asked the monk, in
-: voice scarcely above a whisper. e
should all be delightful to you" 9l5i \ &
Eyes, but III Zig 80 strange, and no Of
!. takes any notice OF me. ID You look mo